First let me apologize for not being able to update each of you during the site visit.  My plan was to blog at least once a day while in London.  When we arrived, the internet at the Hotel was down.  They are going through a major internet conversion before our trip in December.  


On to the real news - The trip was absolutely amazing!  Every aspect of it was first class.  From dinner at the Lord Mayor's Parlor over looking Buckingham Palace to meeting with the officials and walking the parade route, it was all incredible.  I can't wait until we get to go as a group.  It will be one of the highlights of our lives.

I could show you pictures, it wouldn't do it justice.  They all so perfect that they look fake.  I don't know that words can describe it.  I would love to under-sale this trip to you, but it is amazing. It will be worth every bit of effort that you make to get there.

Couple of tidbits that I will share with you right now.  
1. We got a prime spot for the Gala Concert - Friday night at Cadogen (Ka-dug-un) Hall.  I feel very fortunate that they think enough of us to put us in a primetime slot.  Cadogen Hall is the home of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. More about the Hall later. We will start passing out music for this performance during summer band.  We will let you know how we will be selecting people for this performance.

2.While we were there, we were invited by Robert Bone, Executive Director of the parade to be part of the Grand Finale of the parade.  Five bands were selected to participate in this.  It will be a mass band performance at the very end of the parade.  Wayne Downey of the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps will be writing the arrangement for this performance.

3. Lastly, (trivia) the parade begins at Berkley Square.  You know the famous Berkley Square from the Nat King Cole song.  Ask your grand parents.  Pretty cool place to form up.  Beats the Big Blue Barn.    : )


SO... GET YOUR PASSPORT AND SPREAD THE WORD - 
www.tundra2win.com!!!


MORE LATER- Announcement of new assistant director soon!

 
 
Less than 24 hours until I leave for the airport.  I'm really excited to have this opportunity.  At first, I kind of saw this trip over there in the summer as a task.  Now, I'm really thankful for it.  I have traveled a lot thanks to my parents.  They thought it was very important for us to see the world and learn that the world is full of wonderful people and places.  In my adult life I have traveled a great deal with my own family and with the bands and orchestras I have taught.

As much experience as I have had with traveling, I am still learning.  Taking almost 200 students and parents takes much more planning.  Being the guest of the City of Westminster (which is London proper. You know, where Buckingham Palace, parlament and the Brithish Prime Minister live) is also a little more demanding than the average sight seeing visit.  I have read my 90 page training manual several times and probally will again on the plane.  I still don't know if I will feel 100% ready for these meetings.  Additionally, I don't think I have ever taken this many clothes on any one trip. It is going to be a fun and exciting week.  I know by the time I come home I feel much more prepared to get us all there and back safely.

Well, I have almost all of my stuff ready to go in the bags. Got my passport, plug adapters and voltage convert.  Shpuld be good to go.

Don't put off getting that passport.  Do it ASAP.  The CVS on Jacksboro Hwy. will give you your passport photo for half price if you tell them you are with the Rider band.  Also, don't wear a black shirt. I don't know.  Not the best color for passport photos.  : )

LATER-
LS
 
 
It's about ten days until I leave to go to London for the required site visit.  I'm really excited about the trip even though most of the trip will be full of meetings and trainings. I know in the end it will be a very valuable time.  I know I will come back with a much better understanding of everything that is involved.  I will be shown every inch of the parade route and will get to tour the concert hall that we will perform in.  Additionally, I will be staying in the hotel that we will most likely stay at in December.  Also, this time will allow me to familiarize myself with the tube (subway) and how to function without my iphone (that should be fun! ). All in all, I really excited!!

If I can get connected to the web, I will update this blog and add some pictures.  Keep fundraising. I don't want anyone to miss out on this trip.
 

First Post!

05/22/2011

 
As we near the end of the school year, it is time to ramp up the information and concentration on the upcoming year and the London trip.  We have started this blog to give you valuable information to help you stay informed with everything that is going on with the Rider Band and Orchestra.
THIS WEEK:
Monday - 2011-2012 Group Picture at the Falls and FBC
Tuesday- Graduation Rehearsal at MPEC 3-5pm
Wednesday- End of Year Party at Fain Pool -All Current and incoming students
Thursday- State Solo and Ensemble Recital - Band Hall -7pm
Saturday- Graduation - Be at MPEC at 8:30am
Sunday- Leave for UIL State Solo and Ensemble -1:30pm
Monday- UIL State Solo and Ensemble Contest at UT - Arrive home late!

Have a GREAT WEEK! FINISH STRONG!